Chiasognathus grantii
Darwin's beetle, Grant's stag beetle, or the Chilean stag beetle. Charles Darwin collected the species in Chile during the second voyage
Variable in size and in the development of the jaws and exhibits a strong sexual dimorphism. Males can reach a length of 60–90 millimetres (2.4–3.5 in) including the mandibles, while females are much smaller, having a body length of 25–37 millimetres (0.98–1.46 in). The upper mandibles of the males are very robust at the base, finely serrated and longer than the body itself.
C. grantii is considered a rare and vulnerable species, with a high probability of extinction, mainly as a consequence of the global climate change.
The male's over-sized jaws are crucial in its objective to secure a mate. It climbs trees, often climbing many meters, searching for a female. As it climbs and searches for females, it also seeks out other males in the vicinity. When two males meet, they fight. Males use their jaws in combat: they hook them under the opposite beetle's wings, pull up and throw their opponent to the ground (from 20 meters above, as they are in great trees most of the time).
I have seen big numbers dead under the big trees.
They can fly ...scary!
Chiasognathus grantii
Darwin's beetle, Grant's stag beetle, or the Chilean stag beetle. Charles Darwin collected the species in Chile during the second voyage
Variable in size and in the development of the jaws and exhibits a strong sexual dimorphism. Males can reach a length of 60–90 millimetres (2.4–3.5 in) including the mandibles, while females are much smaller, having a body length of 25–37 millimetres (0.98–1.46 in). The upper mandibles of the males are very robust at the base, finely serrated and longer than the body itself.
C. grantii is considered a rare and vulnerable species, with a high probability of extinction, mainly as a consequence of the global climate change.
The male's over-sized jaws are crucial in its objective to secure a mate. It climbs trees, often climbing many meters, searching for a female. As it climbs and searches for females, it also seeks out other males in the vicinity. When two males meet, they fight. Males use their jaws in combat: they hook them under the opposite beetle's wings, pull up and throw their opponent to the ground (from 20 meters above, as they are in great trees most of the time).
I have seen big numbers dead under the big trees.
They can fly ...scary!